"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a fictional American novel written by Mark Twain and first published in the U.S. in 1885. It tells the story of young teen Huckleberry Finn, the primary protagonist, and his adventures along the Mississippi River just before the Civil War. The novel deals with conflicts that stem from racism, prejudice and social inequality. The rising action adds mystery and suspense but also supports strong themes about friendship and nonconformity.

A Powerful Series of Events

Twain creates a series of suspenseful events in the rising action. Pap, Huck's abusive alcoholic father, wants Huck's savings and kidnaps him from his legal guardians. Huck escapes, fakes his own death and heads out on a riverboat expedition with his friend Jim, a runaway slave. Huck and Jim build a strong friendship as they travel the Mississippi River. They meet a series of strangers, wrongdoers and con men, all from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and repeatedly save one another from danger, according to Publishers Review. Eventually, Jim is recaptured and taken to another farm to work as a slave. The climax occurs when Huck and his friend Tom Sawyer try to free Jim. The rising action helps establish the basic conflict in the story -- overcoming conventional racial prejudices.

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About the Author

As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.